McIlroy and wife Erica, and despite strong rumours, had managed to keep the news of the pregnancy under wraps until last week when it was announced during TV coverage of last week’s BMW Championship the couple were expecting a daughter.

McIlroy then confirmed the news at the end of his third round saying:  “I didn’t think it was something that I really particularly needed to share out there. It’s a private matter, but we’re really excited and can’t wait for her to get here.”

News of the birth of their daughter should allow McIlroy to tee-up in tomorrow’s commencing 2019/20 PGA Tour season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta.

McIlroy had been due to host a press conference today (Thursday) but that has now been cancelled.

The four-time major winner is the double defending Tour Championship and FedEx Cup champion and is due to tee-up at 6.30pm (Irish time) in the company of American Brendon Todd.

Whether McIlroy travels to Atlanta is another matter.